You sat on the bench in the countryard, flipping through your notes, when Harry walked by. "Where's your scary boyfriend?" he asked.

You chuckled and rolled your eyes. "Probably off doing scary boyfriend things."

Harry was just about to ask something else when a familiar figure emerged from the shadows.

Draco caught sight of you immediately, and his lips curved into that familiar smirk—a mix of smugness and something deeper.

But when his gaze landed on Harry, that smirk twisted into something darker.

Harry stood up straight, though there was no hiding the slight unease that crossed his face. "Oh, brilliant. There he is."

Draco’s eyes locked with Harry’s. "I’m guessing you’ve been entertaining yourself a bit too much."

Harry smirked, hands tucked into his pockets, but his stance was more guarded now. "I wasn’t aware I needed your permission to talk to her."

Draco took another step forward. "It’s not about permission. It’s about respect." His gaze flickered briefly back to you, softer. "Something you might want to learn more about."

Draco finally turned to you, his hard exterior softening as he crossed the distance between you, offering his hand without another word. The moment you took it, he leaned down to whisper in your ear. "Shall we go?"

You grinned, knowing exactly what he meant. "I think that’s a good idea."

With one last lingering glance at Harry, Draco tugged you gently by the hand, his posture once again the confident, protective figure you knew so well.

Harry watched you both walk away, shaking his head with a chuckle under his breath. "I swear, you have a thing for making everyone nervous."

You smiled to yourself as Draco’s voice reached your ears. "I’m not just making people nervous. I’m making sure no one forgets where they stand."